May

I'm overwhelmed by the feedback and number of emails I've received so far regarding the geode lamps I'm having made. I'm going to work hard today to respond to each and every email but I just want to thank everyone in advance for your interest and support. I am beyond excited to say goodbye to April and start May on this positive note. Things can only go up from here - warm weather, sunny skies, green grass, al fresco dining, weekends at the beach....I simply can't wait!

Life | Risk Aversion

Happy New Year!  Ok, I know it's not January first but in my mind August will always represent the beginning of a new year.  Resolutions are usually associated with a new year so it's funny that the events that happened in the last week in July left me questioning my future. This past year has been a difficult one...my boyfriend of 9 years moved to DC in October, I graduated from interior design school and started my own business...all of this while continuing to work full-time as a financial analyst.   I've spread myself thin for fear of making the wrong choice. 

You see, when I graduated from school I interviewed for several interior design internships where they basically wanted me to work for free for 6 months and at the end of that there would be no guarantee that I would be offered a full-time position.  Seriously?  I have a B.S. in Finance, 5 years work experience and an A.A.S in Interior Design and you want me to work for free? I know that the experience is invaluable but I'm 27, my parents do not/will not financially support me and I have rent and bills to pay!  So how do you step away from a full-time job that pays extremely well, matches your 401k and has amazing benefit? I still don't know.

So when Sara posted this quote on Instagram a few weeks ago it immediately struck a chord with me and got me thinking.  Over the past year I have been my own worst enemy.  I have held myself back from experiencing amazing opportunities because I'm a perfectionist.  Several major websites have asked to feature my apartment but for some odd reason I continually put it off because I fear it won't be good enough.  Ah, seriously Kristin, wtf.  I know if I had the time I could do great things and grow my business but I'm risk averse (catch that finance lingo?) and fear not knowing the future.

I'm telling you this because I constantly receive emails from people asking for career advice and telling me that they're inspired by my story (read my About section).  I don't feel qualified to give advice but I hope that by sharing my story and struggles in this new year I can continue to carve my own path because, honestly, I need to stop waiting and start doing!